Orthodontic Implant Fatigue Testing

Orthodontic implantation uses implant technology to affix artificial material into bone. Embedding artificial material into bone has advantages of orthodontic therapies that use implants, such as being able to secure a stronger anchor, increasing the range of movement of the teeth, increasing the likelihood of using therapies that do not require tooth removal, and increasing the scope of non-surgical orthodontic therapy. However, fluoride solutions used in mouthwash can have a negative effect on the durability of titanium implants. Consequently, fatigue testing of orthodontic implants must be performed in solution so its effect can be determined and more durable orthodontic implants developed. We performed fatigue testing of an orthodontic implant in pure water at 37 °C, and report the results.